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So, he really did it, huh? LeBron James really signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, huh? Shit, after all of the theories and all of the speculation, he really moved to the Western Conference, huh? All in all, my least favorite part of being a basketball aficionado is about to go into overdrive, son: dealing with bandwagon fans. All I know is, I don’t want to hear ANY of these new motherfuckers try to convince me that they’re Lakers fans now, man.

Look, I may be wrong, but I feel like James is responsible for this new era of fandom. Like, instead of being fans of teams, people have become fans of players. Because of this, whatever team their favorite player is on, that’s the team these people root for. Hell, in James’s case, I’ve watched folks be Cleveland Cavaliers fans, then Miami Heat fans and back to Cavs fans. Real talk, they don’t know ANYTHING about these teams other than the fact that James was on them. In any case, despite the reality that it’ll irritate the SHIT out of me, I’m already preparing myself for these brand new Lakers “fans.”

In the end, the next NBA season is about to be WILD, fam! Ultimately, it looks like I’ll finally get my wish of seeing new teams in the Finals, bruh. All I can say is, James’s run of consecutive Finals appearances is over, son. I mean, there’s NO WAY he’s getting past the Golden State Warriors, man. Seriously, he has NO chance in the 9 Circles of Hell, fam.

As of right now, I’m picking Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and the Warriors to face Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics in the Finals. By and by, we’ll see how this Lakers experiment will work for James. The way I see it, he’s waiting for Kawhi Leonard to join him next year. For now, he’ll just have to put up with the shenanigans of Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma. That is all. LC out.

Look, I know what everyone is thinking, son. I mean, based on the title, it may seem like I’m hating, man. But, before people try to take my head off, let me explain why I want the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors to lose. Basically, as a lifelong basketball fan, I’m getting bored with the NBA, fam. Year after year, the same fucking teams go the Finals, bruh. All in all, I need some new shit to happen to keep my interest, folks.

Now, I won’t lie, son. I’ve actually felt this way for a little while, man. Listen, for the last seven years, it was a given that LeBron James and company were going to win the East. For the last few years, it was a given that Stephen Curry and company were going to win the West. From there, barring any random occurrences (like Draymond Green getting suspended in the 2016 Finals), it was a given that the Dubs were going to beat the Cavs. So, what does a dude like me have to look forward to, fam? On the real, we’re all just watching the same damn script, bruh. There’s no drama, no suspense and no thrill, people.

Listen, let me tell everybody how serious I am about wanting change. Now, I’m a New York dude through and through. Meaning, I hate ALL Boston teams with an undying passion. However, I’m so tired of the same matchups that I actually want the Celtics to beat the Cavs, son. Shit, does anyone know what that wish does to my soul, man? I’m actually rooting for a fucking team that I despise, fam. THAT’S how much I want things to be shaken up, bruh. All I know is, I’m going to have to repent to Yankees Jesus, folks.

In the end, my wish probably won’t come true, son. Ultimately, the Cavaliers and the Warriors will probably meet again in the Finals, man. Yes, I know that the Cavs just got trounced by the Celtics in Game 1. But, they’re going to have to beat LeBron three more times, fam. All I can say is, that’s a tall order for a young team, bruh. In addition, I don’t believe in the Houston Rockets‘s ability to beat GS, people. By and by, they’re going to have to show and prove before I believe the hype. In any case, I’ll see everyone in the Finals for part four of LeBron versus Steph and part three of LeBron versus Kevin Durant. LC out.

So, I won’t lie, son. When I first heard about the changes to the NBA All-Star Game, I was ready to hate, man. I mean, it’s the law of inertia, fam. People like me don’t like change. In any case, the more I thought about it, the more I got onboard, bruh. With that being said, I’m hyped to see this season’s game! The way I see it, the 2018 contest has the potential to either be legendary or tragic. Either way, I’ll be there, folks!

Now, for those who missed it, major changes were made to the ASG. Apparently, the entire concept of East versus West has been eradicated. Instead, two captains will be chosen and they get to pick anyone from the starters and reserves lists. Essentially, the NBA is about to have a big ass pickup game, son! All in all, how could this possibly be a bad thing, man? Imagine Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving on the same squad disrespecting everybody’s ankles. Imagine LeBron James and Kevin Durant on the same team throwing alleys to each other. Fam, this shit has the potential to be incredible, bruh!

In the end, I don’t even know what else to say, son. Look, I think the news speaks for itself, man. Now, of course, the outcome remains to be seen. Who knows, this could end up being a terrible idea, fam. However; I’m super interested to see who ends up playing together and how the game turns out. Ultimately, I’ll be watching, bruh. I’ll definitely be watching. LC out.

So, I guess I’m about to jump into this debate, huh? I mean, ever since Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors, people have compared his decision to LeBron James going to the Miami Heat. Look, enough is enough, man. Now, on face value, their respective decisions may seem “similar,” but in reality, they’re drastically different. With that being said, it’s time for me to dispel this myth, fam.

First, let’s start with LeBron. The year before he joined the Heat, his Cleveland Cavaliers team had a 61-21 record. They were the top team in the Eastern Conference and we all thought they going to meet Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. However; LeBron and company ran into the Boston Celtics in the Semifinals. Needless to say, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett gave them that work, fam. By and by, the Cavs fell in six games.

On the flip side, the Heat had a 47-35 record that same season. They were third in their division and fifth in the East. Also, when they got to the playoffs, they lost to the Celtics in the first round and in five games. So, when LeBron switched teams, he wasn’t joining some powerhouse, son. On the real, they only became a juggernaut after he got there, man.

Now, let’s talk about Durant. The year before he joined the Warriors, his team had a 55-27 record. They were first in their division and third in the Western Conference. Now, here’s where they story gets stupid, fam. His team had a 3-1 lead over the Warriors in the Conference Finals, but then KD CHOKED! Shit, people love to blame Russell Westbrook for everything, but these same people ignore the fact that KD went 10-31 from the field in a Game 6. Keep in mind, the game was in Oklahoma City and it would’ve ended the series. So, if KD didn’t fall flat on his face, then he might’ve won a ring with the Thunder.

Once again, on the flip side, the Warriors had a 73-9 record that same season. Now, for anyone counting, that’s the best regular season record in NBA history. Honestly, they only went after KD because they choked against the Cavs in the Finals and gave up their own 3-1 lead. So, two factions of chokers decided to band together to ensure they don’t fail again.

Ok, now that I’ve laid out all of the information, let me sum this up for everyone. LeBron went to a weaker team and helped to turn them into a champion. Durant went to a championship caliber team, a squad he personally lost to, in hopes of getting that elusive ring. Keeping it a buck, I really don’t see how people compare these two moves. They don’t resemble each other at all, son. By and by, KD took the easiest way out. It just is what it is, fam.

In the end, I’m tired of defending LeBron, son. Listen, I’m not even a Cavs fan, bruh! Ultimately, I’m sick of people making assertions without any type of discernible context. All in all, everyone needs to do some basic research before they speak. That way, they don’t seem as dumb when they present their “hot takes.” In any case, the Finals will probably end tonight, man. We all need to enjoy them while they last. LC out.

So, I won’t lie, son. I was super inspired after reading Dion Waiters‘ article onThe Players’ Tribune. Look, Waiters spoke with a level of honesty that put all of his thoughts and behaviors into perspective. All I can say is, after reading this article, I now completely understand why he plays the way that he does. In addition, I can also say, he’s definitely earned my respect, man.

Now, before I continue, let me keep it a buck, son. On the real, I used to KILL Waiters for his play on the court. During last year’s playoffs, when he was still with the Oklahoma City Thunder, I criticized the HELL out of him, fam. Like, he was either incredible or fucking terrible, man! There was no in between. Frankly, I feel like if OKC got more consistent play out of him, they would’ve finished off the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.

Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I must admit that Waiters’ candor was surprising. He outlined his background coming up in Philadelphia, and spoke openly about his trials and tribulations. He spoke about such hardships as losing both of his parents AND his best friend Rhamik to needless violence. With all of the chaos around him, he used an “irrational” sense of confidence to propel him out of his situation. In his mind, if he didn’t big himself up, there was no way he was going to rise above his surroundings.

Look, a lot of things Waiters said hit home for me. Listen, anyone who is familiar with growing up in dysfunction knows that belief can be a powerful ally. If we don’t believe that we can make something of ourselves, then we’ll never get away from what plagues us. A lot of times, that fire is the only thing that keeps us going. Without it, we may have nothing to hope for. Waiters clearly understands this and it’s helped him to reach his goals.

In the end, I take my hat off to Dion Waiters. Also, he’s absolutely right about one other assertion: no one wanted to see the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Son, judging by the way they were playing before he got injured, they would’ve given headaches to either the Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Cavaliers. All in all, I hope they can make it happen next season, man. LC out.

To begin, I must admit that I have conflicting feelings about Russell Westbrook‘s performance this season. On one hand, I think he’s clearly made his case for NBA MVP. Look, let’s put aside the triple-doubles for a second, son. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost Kevin Durant, a top 3 player, and STILL made it to the 6th seed in the Western Conference. That’s a fucking accomplishment and the city can thank Westbrook for that. I mean, the dude is a robot/maniac and he refused to let the team fall by the wayside.

Now, I’ve seen people say that Westbrook is just “chasing stats.” Man, let’s keep it a buck, son. Westbrook locked down 42 triple-doubles during the regular season and the Thunder had a 33-9 record in those games. In addition, they had a 14-26 record when he didn’t reach that milestone. Meaning, this type of play was NECESSARY for them to win. With that being said, the criticism makes absolutely no fucking sense, fam. If the objective of the game is to win, then Westbrook did what was needed to facilitate that.

Moving on, I must also admit that Westbrook’s style of play is smothering. He’s a fucking atrocious shooter and he shoots the ball ALL THE DAMN TIME! Bruh, I’m pretty sure it’s hard for the rest of the team to get into any kind of rhythm when the leader shoots upwards of 25 times per game. Listen, this is why I say I have conflicting feelings about his style of play. His team needs him to be a ball hog, but it may actually be hurting them at the same time.

Ok, so, I’ve just said a lot, but I needed to outline my perspective on Westbrook before I tackled his postgame rant last night. Essentially, a reporter asked Westbrook’s teammate, Steven Adams, why the Thunder always lose leads when Westbrook is on the bench. Now, instead of giving him time to answer, Westbrook jumped in and told the reporter to stop trying to split them up. Ultimately, according to Westbrook, they win as a team and lose as a team.

Look, Westbrook was right for what he did and it was a noble move. On the real, nothing good can come out of the team thinking they ain’t shit when their star isn’t on the floor. I mean, they do suck when Westbrook is out of the game, but a lack of talent shouldn’t also have to be coupled with a damaged psyche, son. The fact is, the Thunder had no hope of beating the Houston Rockets before the series even started, fam. It just is what it is, man.

In the end, let Westbrook cook, bruh. Listen, I highly enjoy watching him go full berserker in every game. With that being said, I do think the team needs to find a better offense so his teammates aren’t so damn obsolete. All in all, these problems can’t be solved at this point in the season, son. So, let’s just give that man his MVP award and go home. LC out.